Sinusitis - How To Detect It?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. Generally, a healthy sinus is filled with air, but when fluid or mucus fills the sinus, it can cause infection. The most common cause for sinusitis is common cold which does not respond to regular medications.

Symptoms of Sinusitis:

Patients suffering from Sinusitis should have the 2 or more of these symptoms:

1. Blocked nose
2. Facial pain / Headache
3. Nasal discharge
4. Post nasal drip
5. Cough
6. Fever
7. Reduced sense of smell
8. Tiredness

Causes of Sinusitis:

The sinus problem can be caused by bacteria, viruses, pollutants, and also by various allergy sources. The irritants in the air may disrupt the normal mucus clearance mechanism & cause the stagnation of mucus in the patients. Once this stagnant mucus is infected it leads to inflammation of the sinus lining which is called as Sinusitis.

Diagnosis: 

The diagnosis of Sinusitis is made on the basis of history & physical examination particularly of the nasal cavity using an endoscope (if need be). In endoscopy, a small thin, telescope is inserted into the nose of the patient and with the camera, detailed evaluation is done to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Sometimes imaging modalities like CT scan help to stage the health of the nose & sinuses.

Treatment:

 For initial stages of Sinusitis, medical management suffices which includes appropriate antibiotics, analgesics and other supportive measures like steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, oral intake of plenty of fluids.

For recurrent episodes of cold and sinusitis (Chronic sinusitis) apart from medications, surgery might be needed to restore the normal functioning of sinuses and correction of obstructing anatomical abnormalities such as Deviated Nasal Septum, Polyps, enlarged turbinates etc.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery(FESS) is the most common form of surgery performed on a patient with Sinusitis. 

The goal of FESS surgery is to enlarge the nasal drainage pathways of the paranasal sinuses with the help of nasal endoscopes there by improve sinus ventilation. The surgeon can remove the tissue and enlarge the sinus drain so that it does not clog in the future.

If a deviated septum is the cause of recurring infection, then a procedure called septoplasty is performed. It helps to straighten the septum of the patient & replace bone and cartilage in the right place.

Preventative Methods After Surgery:

Following preventive measures after the surgery is very much important for better result. Some of them are:

1. Follow hand hygiene.
2. Avoid smoking or drinking.
3. Warm moist air soothes the condition of Sinusitis. Hence, use a good quality humidifier.
4. Stay away from people with cold infections.
5. Maintain home devices free from mould and dust.
6. Avoid allergens and pollutants.